NYRA Considering July 4th Racing At Saratoga

Local business owners are excited about the potential economic boost that could come if the New York Racing Association (NYRA) decides to extend horse racing at the Saratoga Race Course to include the July Fourth weekend in 2025. WTEN reports NYRA is currently considering moving the conclusion of the Belmont at the Big A Spring Meet from Aqueduct Racetrack to Saratoga Race Course in 2025.

Lasher Road Closure For Bridge Replacement

The Saratoga County Department of Public Works announced the upcoming closure of a portion of Lasher Road where it crosses the Mourning Kill. The road is expected to be closed from September 5 through December 11. WTEN reports the closure will be in place while crews conduct a bridge replacement.

9/11 Ceremony In Saratoga

Saratoga is hosting a 9/11 commemoration and remembrance ceremony. It happens September 11th, at 8:30am at High Rock Park, at 112 High Rock Avenue at the Tempered by Memory Sculpture. All are invited to attend.

Empire State University Professor Awarded $1 Million Grant

Tracy Galuski, Professor and Educational Studies Department Chair at Empire State University, was recently awarded a $1 million grant from SUNY and New York State’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The Saratogian reports Galuski’s proposal will increase opportunities for paraprofessionals to obtain initial teacher certification in high-need areas through SUNY Empire’s new baccalaureate-level teacher education program in Early Childhood Education.

Labor Day Event In Clifton Park

Dozens of people gathered together in Clifton Park on Labor Day. WRGB reports various community leaders and organizations took part in the 2024 Reclaiming Labor Day event. The day long gathering featured food, music, games and informational booths about different community offerings. Organizers say the goal is to recognize contributions and achievements of US workers and labor unions.

Ballston Spa Barbers Team Up

Two area barbers have partnered to create a new business called Ballston Spa Barber Club.
The barber shop on Route 50 is owned and operated by Raffaele Rispo and Gilberto Barron-Nunez, reports WNYT. Haircut appointments can be made online, or walk-ins are welcome.

Racing Season Ends In Saratoga

Monday marked the last day of racing at Saratoga this season. WNYT reports the meet was 40 days, not counting the Belmont Stakes, which was moved there in June while Belmont Park undergoes a major renovation. The track is expected to host Belmont again next year, before the main season in July.

NYRA Says Track Handle Similar This Year To Last

As the 2024 Saratoga Race Course meet closes in on closing day, betting handle and paid admission numbers for the duration of the meet should look similar to 2023, New York Racing Association president and CEO Dave O’Rourke said on Sunday. The Daily Gazette reports the 2023 meet, during which four races were canceled on one card because of weather, drew $799,229,288 in all-sources handle.

State Lifts Residency Rule For Saratoga County ADA Hires

New state legislation called the ADA Assistant Bill will allow the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office to extend Assistant District Attorney job offers to candidates living outside the county. WTEN reports
State Senator Jim Tedisco says the DA’s office contacted him to push legislation loosening their in-county residency requirements for the jobs. Tedisco told NEWS10 that the DA’s office needs skilled and experienced Assistant District Attorneys who can argue their way around what he views as restrictive state laws like bail reform.

Four Dead In Early Sunday Crash In Glenville

Glenville Police tell us four people are dead after a car crash that happened on Amsterdam Road in Glenville at around 3:20 a.m. Sunday. WNYT reports a 2022 Honda Accord was traveling eastbound on State Route 5 (Amsterdam Rd) near Waters Road, when it left the south side of the road, went airborne, struck several trees, before coming to rest in a ditch. Police say all four occupants of the vehicle, one female and three males, were killed in the crash.